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MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Part of MIT

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Overworked and stretched thin - Anonymous employee MIT Lincoln Laboratory Employee Review

3.0
12 Aug 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At times, a relaxed environment. Depending on your group, you won't have someone hovering over your shoulder watching you work. If you're not in a service group, you'll do interesting, fun, work. You get a DOD Security clearance. Benefits are good; 401K and Pension. Great people watching.

Cons

Some positions get tasked with roles that aren't in your job description. Saying 'no' is most likely going to be frowned upon. Don't get me wrong, go above and beyond, but don't be surprised when you get penalized for something you never signed on for. Didn't acquire private sector job experience. Transitioning to another job is difficult with such a broad skill set needed for MITLL. Wasn't able to specialize in one field of interest. Little room for growth. You get a DOD Security clearance. Salary was sub-par for industry. Awkward people.

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MIT Lincoln Laboratory Response
12y
We are pleased that you found the benefits and retirement programs to be good. We work hard to keep a positive work-life balance and have policies in place to give managers a lot of leeway in creating the relaxed environment that you experienced. Employees can get exposure to a wide range of opportunities and experiences and we hope that they take advantage of that. Your advice to management is something that we hope is happening on on increasing basis.

Explore other reviews about MIT Lincoln Laboratory

5.0
3 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It can vary a lot from group to group, but in general, wonderful place with wonderful people and lots of interesting work going on. Excellent benefits and lots of flexibility to explore different projects.

Cons

Little opportunity for advancement in terms of rank and compensation once you reach technical staff. Additionally (again varies from group to group) expectations of what a staff member does can be unclear and there can be a light sink-or-swim nature to the work, again depending on the group you're in.

4.0
26 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Historically a very stable job, interesting work, great people

Cons

There can be a lack of mentorship for people early in their careers, although your experience will depend heavily on which group you are in. There are only 3 main levels of engineer with very limited group leader positions, making upward mobility limited.

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